79th Infantry Division

Sep 14, 2012

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79th Infantry Division

The 79th Infantry Division (79. Infanterie-Division) was a reserve division formed on mobilization. Personnel mainly from the Rhineland. On the Saar front for a period, but took little part in active operations. Identified on the southern sector of the Russian front. Virtually destroyed at Stalingrad.

Commanders

Generalleutnant Richard Graf von Schwerin, from 14th January 1942 to 9th January 1943

Generalleutnant Richard Graf von Schwerin commanded the 79th Infantry Division during World War II, showcasing strategic leadership and resilience. He participated in key campaigns, including the Battle of Stalingrad, where he was flown out before the surrender. Schwerin was later captured by British forces and released from captivity in 1948.

Units

208 Infantry Regiment
212 Infantry Regiment
226 Infantry Regiment
179 Reconnaissance Battalion
179 Artillery Regiment
179 Pionier Battalion
179 Anti-Tank Battalion
179 Signal Battalion

Auxiliary unit number 179
Home Station Koblenz (Wkr. XII)

Locations

History

The 79th Infantry Division was formed in 1939 and participated in key campaigns during World War II. Initially deployed to the French-German border, it fought in the Saar region and participated in the invasion of France, capturing strategic locations.

Later assigned to the Eastern Front, the division played a significant role in Operation Barbarossa and the Battle of Stalingrad. Encircled during Operation Uranus, it was destroyed in January 1943 when the 6th Army surrendered. Reformed in 1943, the division continued fighting until its eventual surrender in 1945, reflecting the challenges faced by German forces throughout the war.